WO2008154831A1

WO2008154831A1 - A method and system for controlling the stream media play and a signaling proxy function entity

Info

Publication number: WO2008154831A1
Application number: PCT/CN2008/071095
Authority: WO
Inventors: Feng Wang; Jianxin Xie; Peng Wang; Geng Wang; Baojian Qi; Dewen Zhang; Jian Huang; Jincheng Li; Xiaosong Lei
Original assignee: Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd.
Priority date: 2007-06-20
Filing date: 2008-05-27
Publication date: 2008-12-24
Also published as: CN101330515A

Abstract

A method and system for controlling the stream media play and a signaling proxy function entity are disclosed, wherein a Media Control Function (MCF) entity receives the media play control signaling, which is sent by a terminal device based on the media play control protocol, via the signaling proxy function entity; or receives the media play control signaling sent by a terminal device via the signaling transmission path from it to the terminal device; then indicates a Media Delivery Function (MDF) entity to send the corresponding media stream to the terminal device based on the media play control signaling, thereby the detailed realization process of media control is provided. The embodiment can reduce the TCP connections between the UE and MCF, then reduce the load of MCF and ensure the performance of MCF.

Description

Streaming media playback control method, system and signaling agent functional entity

The present invention relates to the field of communications, and in particular, to a streaming media playback control method, system, and signaling proxy functional entity. Background technique

The streaming media service or IP-based television (IP Television) service is a new service that has developed rapidly in recent years. The IPTV service is carried by IP technology and provides users with a manageable network. Multimedia services including streaming media services, converged streaming media and real-time session services. The key technology for implementing the streaming media service is a streaming technology. Through the streaming technology, multimedia files can be transmitted on a packet switching network, and the content thereof includes video, audio and other information, and continuous video and audio information can be transmitted. After processing, it is stored to the website server; when the file content is accessed, it can be played immediately without full download, so that it can be viewed and listened while downloading.

Currently, IMS (IP Multimedia Subsystem) can provide streaming services. It includes CSCF (Call Session Control Function), MGCF (Media Gateway Control Function), MRF (Media Resource Function), and other functional entities, mainly using SIP (Session Initiation Protocol). Start protocol), Diameter protocol.

The IMS based IPTV system is based on the architecture of the IMS system, and fully utilizes existing registration, authentication, routing, session control, service triggering, charging, and end-to-end QoS guarantee mechanisms in the IMS system to provide IPTV for users. The business function, that is, the multimedia session of the user to the media file content is completed by the existing session control mechanism of the IMS system. During the establishment of the session, the bearer resources need to be reserved for the transmission of the media stream. The functional architecture of the IMS based IPTV system, as shown in Figure 1, includes the terminal device UE, IPTV Media Functions (IPTV Media Functions) Modules, etc.

The terminal device is configured to receive a media stream, and can perform remote play control on the media stream, such as requesting play/pause, fast forward, and fast rewind.

The IPTV Media Functions function module is responsible for controlling and delivering the media stream to the terminal device UE (Delivery). From the functional point of view, it can be decomposed into an MCF (Media Control Function) entity and an MDF (Media Delivery Function) entity, where the MCF entity is responsible for session control, media playback control, media resource management, and The MDF entity is responsible for the transmission of the media stream, the reporting of the status of the media resource, and the like.

In the process of the inventor's implementation of the present invention, it has been found that the prior art has at least the following drawbacks: UE and

The MCF is directly connected through the established TCP connection. The MCF must establish a TCP connection for each UE, and frequently scans the data of each TCP connection, causing the MCF to be overloaded, which seriously affects the performance of the MCF. Summary of the invention

The embodiments of the present invention provide a streaming media playback control method, system, and signaling proxy function entity, which effectively solves the defect that the MCF load and the performance of the MCF and the UE directly connected through the TCP connection are decreased.

Embodiments of the present invention are implemented by the following technical solutions:

The embodiment of the invention provides a streaming media playback control method, which includes:

The signaling proxy function entity receives the media play control signaling sent by the terminal device; and forwards the media play control signaling to the media control function entity;

The media control function entity instructs the media delivery function entity to send the media stream indicated by the media play control signaling to the terminal device according to the media play control signaling.

The embodiment of the invention further provides a streaming media playback control system, which includes:

a signaling proxy function entity, configured to receive media play control signaling sent by the terminal device; and Forwarding the media play control signaling to the media control function entity;

And a media control function entity, configured to send a media play indication according to the media play control signaling forwarded by the signaling proxy function entity.

The embodiment of the invention further provides a signaling proxy functional entity, which includes:

An acquiring unit, configured to receive media play control signaling sent by the terminal device;

And a forwarding unit, configured to forward the media play control signaling according to a signaling proxy function. The embodiment of the present invention further provides another streaming media playback control method, including: the media control function entity receives the media play control signaling sent by the terminal device by using the signaling transmission channel to the terminal device;

And according to the media play control signaling, instructing the media delivery function entity to send a corresponding media stream to the terminal device.

An embodiment of the present invention further provides another streaming media playback control system, including: a media control function entity and a media delivery function entity;

The media control function entity is configured to receive media play control signaling sent by the terminal device by using a signaling transmission channel thereof to the terminal device, and send a corresponding indication to the media delivery function according to the media play control signaling And an entity, where the information indicating that the media delivery function entity sends the media stream indicated by the media play control signaling to the terminal device is carried.

An embodiment of the present invention further provides a media control function entity, including:

An information acquiring unit, configured to receive media play signaling sent by the terminal device by using a signaling transmission channel thereof to the terminal device, or receive the forwarding by the signaling proxy function entity by using a transmission channel thereof to the signaling proxy functional entity Media playback control signaling of the terminal device;

The indication unit is configured to: according to the media play control signaling received by the acquiring unit, instruct the media delivery function entity to send a corresponding media stream to the terminal device.

As can be seen from the foregoing specific embodiments of the present invention, the media control function entity receives the media play control signaling sent by the terminal device based on the media play control protocol through the signaling proxy function entity; or, through the device to the terminal device Signaling transmission channel The media play control signaling sent by the device is used to indicate that the media delivery function entity sends the corresponding media stream to the terminal device according to the media play control signaling, and thus a specific implementation process of the media control is given. The embodiment of the invention can reduce the TCP connection between the UE and the MCF, reduce the load of the MCF, and ensure the performance of the MCF. DRAWINGS

1 is a schematic diagram of a functional architecture of an IMS s ed I PTV system provided by the background art; FIG. 2 is a schematic structural view of a first embodiment of the present invention;

3 is a schematic diagram of a protocol stack of a control plane (signaling plane) according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a structure of a first embodiment of the present invention when a signaling proxy function is integrated on an MDF entity;

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of the working principle of the first embodiment of the present invention when the signaling proxy function is integrated on the MDF entity;

6 is a schematic diagram 2 of the working principle of the first embodiment of the present invention when the signaling proxy function is integrated on the MDF entity;

Figure 7 is a flow chart of a second embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 8 is a flow chart showing the implementation of the first case in the second embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 9 is a flow chart showing the implementation of the second case in the second embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 10 is a flow chart showing the implementation of the third case in the second embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 11 is a flow chart of an eighth embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 12 is a schematic view showing the first case in the eighth embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 13 is a schematic view showing a second case in the eighth embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 14 is a flow chart showing the implementation of the first case in the eighth embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 15 is a flow chart showing the implementation of the second case in the eighth embodiment of the present invention. detailed description The first embodiment of the present invention provides a streaming media playback control system. The main structure of the present invention is as shown in FIG. 2, including: a signaling proxy functional entity, an MCF entity, and an MDF entity.

The signaling proxy function entity is disposed between the terminal device UE and the MCF entity, and is responsible for forwarding the media control signaling, for example, as an RTSP PROXY (RTSP proxy) role. And receiving, by the terminal device, the media play control signaling sent by the UE according to the media play control protocol; and forwarding the media play control signaling to the MCF entity based on the signaling proxy function. Or, receiving the media play control signaling sent by the MCF entity, and forwarding the media play control signaling to the terminal device according to the media play control protocol, so that the terminal device can select according to the media play control signaling The target signaling proxy functional entity of the handover.

Considering the existing control protocols for streaming media services, such as RTSP (Rea Time Streaming Protocol), it can control the transmission of real-time data at the application layer. Moreover, the RTSP protocol also provides an extensible framework to enable real-time Controlled delivery, on-demand delivery of data such as audio and video. The real-time data includes live data (such as live broadcast) and clips (VOD). In addition, the RTSP protocol can control multiple sessions for transmitting real-time data, and provides a method for selecting a transmission channel, such as UDP (User Datagram Protocol), multicast UDP, and TCP (Transmission Control). Protocol, Transmission Control Protocol, etc. A method of selecting a transmission channel, and a method of selecting a transmission mechanism based on RTP (Real-time Transport Protocol). Based on the above considerations, the embodiment of the present invention transmits the media play control signaling on the control plane (signaling plane) by using an existing streaming media control protocol, such as the RTSP protocol. As shown in FIG. 3, a protocol stack model of a control plane (signaling plane) when the RTSP protocol is used as a streaming media control protocol is shown. An interface Xc (not shown) between the terminal device UE and the MCF entity, which can be used to transmit media playback control signaling. After the signaling proxy function entity is introduced between the terminal device UE and the MCF entity, the interface between the terminal device UE and the signaling proxy functional entity, and the interface between the signaling proxy functional entity and the MCF entity may use the protocol. The stack transmits media playback control signaling. The MCF entity, according to the media play control signaling forwarded by the signaling proxy function entity, specifies an MDF entity that can act as a play media control signaling proxy, and sends a media play indication to the MDF entity.

The interface Xp between the MCF entity and the MDF entity may use an existing protocol, such as a media playback control protocol such as RTSP, or an extended resource control protocol such as H.248, which mainly performs media resource management and control interaction. For example, the MDF reports the status of the media resource to the MCF entity, such as the system load and the media play address/port occupancy; the MCF entity controls the media resource on the MDF entity, for example, performing resource allocation, Streaming media playback controls, etc.

When the Xp interface supports the media playback control protocol, the MCF entity establishes an RTSP session based on the RTSP protocol between the MCF entity and the MDF entity. The MCF entity instructs the MDF entity to send the corresponding media stream to the terminal device UE through the RTSP session, so as to implement playback of the streaming media. Control

When the Xp interface between the MCF entity and the MDF entity does not support the media playback control protocol, such as supporting the extended resource control protocol, the MCF entity instructs the MDF entity to send the corresponding media stream to the terminal device UE by extending the resource control protocol.

The MDF entity sends a corresponding media stream to the terminal device according to the indication of the media control function entity.

In the embodiment of the present invention, an existing real-time streaming protocol, such as RTP/RTCP (Rea l-Time Trans Contco l Pro t oco l, real-time transmission control protocol), is used to transmit the media stream. The interface between the terminal device UE and the MDF entity, denoted as Xc, , can transmit the media stream based on an existing real-time streaming protocol, such as the RTP/RTCP protocol.

In the foregoing first embodiment, the signaling proxy functional entity and the MCF entity may have a many-to-many relationship, or may be a one-to-many or many-to-one relationship, without control and control, or belonging and belonging. .

In the foregoing first embodiment, the signaling proxy function entity is a logical function entity, which may exist as an independent network entity or may exist in an existing network entity, for example, a signaling proxy function entity exists in the MDF entity. When the signaling proxy functional entity is physically disposed on the MDF entity, the structural diagram of the system can be collapsed as shown in FIG. 4, and the logical interface Xc is physically unified to the Xc, interface, and Χρ interface. In this case, according to the logical interface X _C , and the protocol adopted by the Xp interface between the MCF entity and the MDF entity, there are two ways for the MDF entity to process the media play control signaling:

The first type, when the protocol used by the Xp interface between the MCF entity and the MDF entity is the same as the interface X _C between the terminal device UE and the MCF entity, the MDF entity can directly forward the media sent by the terminal device. Playing control signaling to the MCF entity;

Or directly forwarding the media play control signaling sent by the MCF entity to the terminal device. For example, as shown in FIG. 5, it is assumed that Xc, based on the RTSP protocol, the media play control protocol adopted by the Xp interface between the MCF entity and the MDF entity is also the RTSP protocol, and then the MDF entity receives the RTSP request signaling sent by the terminal device. And directly forwarding the RTSP request signaling to the corresponding MCF entity.

Alternatively, after receiving the RTSP request signaling sent by the MCF entity, the MDF entity forwards the signaling to the corresponding terminal device.

Second, when the protocol used by the Xp interface between the MCF entity and the MDF entity and the interface X _C between the terminal device UE and the MCF entity are different, the MDF entity receives the media sent by the terminal device. After the control signaling is played, the media play control signaling is encapsulated in the signaling supported by the Xp interface between the MCF entity and the MDF entity, and then the encapsulated signaling is sent to the MCF entity.

Or the MDF entity receives the signaling supported by the Xp interface sent by the MCF entity, decapsulates the signaling supported by the interface, obtains the media playback control signaling, and forwards the media playback control signaling to the terminal device. .

For example, as shown in FIG. 6, assuming Xc, based on the RTSP protocol, the Xp interface between the MCF entity and the MDF entity is based on the H.248 protocol, then the MDF entity can encapsulate the received RTSP request signaling in the No. H.248. In the ti fy signaling, and transparently transmitted to the MCF entity. Or, after receiving the Not i fy signaling based on the H.248 protocol sent by the MCF entity, the MDF entity decapsulates the Not i fy signaling, obtains RTSP request signaling based on the RTSP protocol, and sends the RTSP request. The signaling is forwarded directly to the terminal device.

For the IMS Ba s ed IPTV system, as shown in FIG. 2, the second embodiment of the present invention provides a streaming media playback control method, in which a terminal device and a signaling proxy functional entity establish a bearer media playback. a transmission channel for controlling signaling, a signaling channel carrying a media playback control signaling between the signaling proxy function entity and the MCF entity, such as a TCP connection channel, and media playback control signaling sent by the terminal device, through the signaling proxy The functional entity is forwarded to the MCF entity; the transmission channel between the signaling proxy functional entity and the MCF entity can be multiplexed, that is, one bearer channel can carry media play control signaling of multiple services or sessions, which is beneficial for reducing media control. The load of function.

The specific implementation process of this embodiment is shown in FIG. 7, and includes:

Step S1 01, the signaling proxy function entity receives the media play control signaling sent by the terminal device according to the media play control protocol;

The terminal device can transmit media playback control signaling on the control plane (signaling plane) using an existing streaming media control protocol, such as the RTSP protocol. The media playback control signaling is transmitted using a protocol stack as shown in Figure 3 above.

The signaling proxy function entity receives the media play control signaling sent by the terminal device UE according to the media play control protocol by using a transport channel for carrying media play control signaling, such as a TCP transmission channel, with the terminal device UE.

Step S102: The signaling proxy function entity forwards the media play control signaling to the MCF entity based on the signaling proxy function.

The signaling proxy functional entity can transmit media playback control signaling on the control plane (signaling plane) using existing streaming media control protocols, such as the RTSP protocol. The media playback control signaling is transmitted using the protocol stack as shown in Figure 3 above.

A signaling agent functional entity, established between it and the MCF entity to carry media playback The transmission channel of the control signaling, such as a TCP transmission channel, forwards the media playback control signaling to the MCF entity.

When the signaling proxy function of the signaling proxy function entity is integrated on the MDF entity, according to the protocol adopted by the Xp interface between the MCF entity and the MDF entity, the MDF entity supporting the signaling proxy function controls the media playback control signaling. The processing is different, as follows are two different processing situations:

The first type, when the protocol adopted by the Xp interface between the MCF entity and the MDF entity, and the interface X _C between the terminal device UE and the MCF entity are the same, the MDF entity having the signaling proxy function is based on the media. Playback control protocol, directly forwarding media playback control signaling to the MCF entity;

Second, when the protocol used by the Xp interface between the MCF entity and the MDF entity, and the interface X _C between the terminal device UE and the MCF entity, the protocol used is different, and the MDF entity supporting the signaling proxy function will The media playback control signaling based on the media play control protocol is encapsulated in the signaling supported by the Xp interface between the MCF entity and the MDF entity, and the encapsulated signaling is sent to the MCF entity.

Step S130: The MCF entity specifies, according to the media play control signaling, an MDF entity that can act as a media control signaling proxy, and instructs the MDF entity to send a corresponding media stream to the terminal device.

The MCF entity may use an existing protocol, such as a media play control protocol such as RTSP, to indicate that the media delivery function entity sends a corresponding media stream to the terminal device; or

An existing protocol, such as an extended resource control protocol such as H.248, is used to instruct the MDF entity to send a corresponding media stream to the terminal device.

Step S1 04: The MDF entity sends a corresponding media stream to the terminal device according to the indication of the MCF entity.

The MDF entity can use an existing real-time streaming protocol, such as RTP/RTCP (Rea lt ime Transpor Protocol) to transmit the media stream on the data side. The foregoing embodiment provides a process for the MCF entity to control the MDF entity to send the corresponding media stream to the terminal device according to the request of the terminal device. When the MCF entity needs to actively instruct the terminal device to send the media play control signaling to an MDF entity, Including the following process:

The MCF entity sends media play control signaling;

The signaling proxy function entity receives the media play control signaling sent by the MCF entity according to the media play control protocol; the specific processing is as follows:

A signaling channel carrying the media playback control signaling is established between the signaling proxy function entity and the MCF entity; the signaling proxy function entity receives, by using the transmission channel, the media playback control signaling sent by the MCF entity according to the media play control protocol Or the signaling proxy function entity receives the signaling sent by the media control function entity based on the transmission channel between the MDF entity and the MCF entity, decapsulates the signaling, and obtains a media playback control protocol sent by the MCF entity. Media playback control signaling.

And a signaling channel carrying the media playback control signaling is established between the terminal device and the signaling proxy functional entity, and the signaling proxy function entity forwards the media playback control signaling to the terminal by using the transmission channel Equipment

And determining, by the terminal device, the target signaling proxy function MDF entity that can be switched according to the media play control signaling, and sending corresponding media play control signaling to the signaling proxy function entity of the target according to the media play control protocol.

And then sending the media play control signaling to the signaling proxy function entity of the target; the signaling proxy function entity of the target forwards the media play control signaling to the MCF entity, and the MCF entity indicates the corresponding according to the media play control signaling The MDF entity sends a corresponding media stream to the terminal device, and the specific implementation process of the portion is similar to the process of step S 01 to step S 1 04, and is not described in detail herein.

The second embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail below by way of example:

Example 1 :

Assuming V0D on demand, V0D programs contain both audio and video media resources, audio media resources. The source is stored on the MDF1 entity, and the video media resource exists on the MDF2 entity, and the MCF entity controls the MDF1 entity and the MDF2 entity. It is assumed that the MDF1 entity and the MDF2 entity have a signaling proxy function, the interface Xc, between the terminal device UE and the MDF entity, transmits the media stream through the RTP/RTCP protocol, and the Xp interface between the MCF entity and the MDF entity, using RTSP As a media playback control protocol, the protocol uses the H.248 protocol as a media resource control protocol. The signaling process is shown in Figure 8, which includes:

S1. The terminal device acquires the presentation description information of the V0D program from the MCF entity in a manner defined by the IMS Based IPTV. The Presentation description contains the address/port information of the MDF1.

S2. After obtaining the presentation description information, the UE establishes a TCP connection of the terminal device to the MDF1 entity according to the description information.

S3, a TCP connection is established between the MDF1 entity and the MCF entity.

If it is already established, there is no need to re-establish the TCP connection (for efficiency, a bearer media playback control signaling connection, such as a TCP connection) can be established in advance.

S4. The terminal device UE establishes an RTSP session with the MCF entity based on the defined manner of the IMS Based IPTV.

55. After the session between the UE and the MCF entity is successfully established, the terminal device UE sends the RTSP PLAY request signaling to the MDF1 entity by using a transport connection that carries the media play control signaling, such as a TCP connection.

The RTSP PLAY request signaling may describe the Presentation/St ream (media stream) operation.

56. After receiving the RTSP PLAY request signaling, the MDF1 entity transmits the RTSP request signaling to the MCF entity.

57. After receiving the RTSP PLAY request, the MCF entity sends an RTSP 200 0K response message to the MDF1 entity.

After the MDF1 entity receives the RTSP 200 0K response message from the MCF entity, the message is transmitted. To the terminal device UE.

S9. The MCF entity instructs the MDF1 entity to send the media stream to the terminal device UE.

The MCF entity uses the RTSP protocol as the media playback control protocol to instruct the MDF2 entity to send the media stream to the terminal device UE, or uses the H.248 protocol as the media resource control protocol to instruct the MDF2 entity to send the media stream to the terminal device UE.

S10. The MCF entity instructs the MDF2 entity to send the media stream to the terminal device UE.

The MCF entity uses the RTSP protocol as the media playback control protocol to instruct the MDF2 entity to send the media stream to the terminal device UE. The H.248 protocol is used as the media resource control protocol to instruct the MDF2 entity to send the media stream to the terminal device UE.

Sl l , MDF1 sends a media stream to the terminal device UE.

MDF1 transmits the media stream to the terminal device UE through the RTP/RTCP protocol.

S12. The MDF2 sends the media stream to the terminal device UE.

MDF2 transmits the media stream to the terminal device UE through the RTP/RTCP protocol.

Example 2:

This example shows the handover process of the media delivery function. It is assumed that for VOD on-demand programs, the program resources are distributed and stored, such as segment A is stored in MDF1 and segment B is stored in MDF2. It is assumed that the MDF1 entity and the MDF2 entity have signaling proxy functions. The interface Xc" between the device UE and the MDF entity transmits the media stream through the RTP/RTCP protocol, the Xp interface between the MCF entity and the MDF entity, adopts the RTSP protocol as the media playback control protocol, and uses the H.248 protocol as the media. Resource Control Protocol The signaling delivery process for media resource switching is shown in Figure 9, which includes:

51. The MCF entity learns that it needs to switch from MDF1 to MDF2 according to the media distribution, and then the MCF entity sends an RTSP REDI RECT request to the MDF1, and the request includes new media resource information, such as Loca/Ion/Range.

In this example, the redirection process may also be implemented by other protocols, such as media renegotiation of the S IP. The embodiment of the present invention does not limit the specific form.

52. After receiving the RTSP REDIRECT request, the MDF1 entity forwards the request to the terminal device UE. 53. After receiving the RTSP REDIRECT request, the terminal device UE returns a response message RTSP 2000K.

After receiving the RTSP 2000K response message, the MDFl entity forwards the response message to the MCF entity.

55. The terminal device establishes a bearer connection, such as TCP signaling, to the MDF2 entity according to the new media resource information included in the RTSP REDIRECT.

56. The MDF2 entity establishes a signaling bearer connection to the MCF entity, such as a TCP connection.

This step is optional if a signaling bearer connection already exists between the MDF2 entity and the MCF entity.

57. The terminal device UE sends a play control request RTSP PLAY to the MDF2 entity.

After receiving the playback control request from the terminal device UE, the MDF2 entity forwards the request to the MCF entity.

59. The MCF entity returns a response message RTSP 2000K to the MDF2 entity.

510. After receiving the response message, the MDF2 entity forwards the response message to the terminal device UE.

511. The MCF entity instructs the MDF2 entity to initiate transmission of the media.

512. The MDF2 entity sends the media stream to the terminal device UE according to the indication of the MCF entity.

Example 3:

Assume that V0D is on demand, the V0D program contains two media resources, audio and video. The audio media resource is stored in the MDF1 entity, and the video media resource exists in the MDF2 entity, and the MCF entity controls the MDF1 entity and the MDF2 entity. The interface X _c between the terminal device UE and the MCF entity, using the RTSP protocol as the media playback control protocol, the interface X _C between the terminal device UE and the MDF entity, and transmitting the media stream through the RTP/RTCP protocol, between the MCF entity and the MDF entity The Xp interface adopts the H.248 protocol, and the MDF entity transparently transmits the RTSP signaling to the MCF entity by encapsulating the RTSP protocol in the H.248 protocol. The signaling process is shown in Figure 10:

S1. The terminal device acquires the presentation description information of the V0D program from the MCF entity based on the IMS Based IPTV defined manner.

S2. After obtaining the Presentation description information, the terminal device UE establishes a TCP connection to the MDF1 entity to carry the RTSP signaling according to the Presentation description information. The Pres enta ti on description information includes address/port information of the MDF1, and according to the information, the terminal device UE can establish a TCP connection to the MDF1 entity for carrying the RTSP signaling.

S3. Based on the defined manner of IMS Ba s ed IPTV, an RTSP session is established between the terminal device UE and the MCF entity.

S4. After the session between the UE and the MCF entity is successfully established, the terminal device UE passes

A TCP connection that sends an RTSP PLAY request to the MDF1 entity.

55. After receiving the RTSP PLAY request, the MDF1 entity encapsulates the RTSP request in the appropriate H.248 signaling, and then sends the H.248 signaling to the MCF entity.

After receiving the H.248 request signaling, the MCF entity parses the RTSP PLAY request, and the MCF entity completes the signaling processing, and then encapsulates the RTSP 2000K response message in the response message of H.248, and the H.248 response message. Send to the MDF1 entity.

57. The MDF1 entity receives the H.248 response message of the media control function, parses the RTSP 2000K message, and then forwards the RTSP 2000K message to the terminal device UE.

58. The MCF entity instructs the MDF1 entity to send the media stream to the terminal device UE.

S9: The MCF entity instructs the MDF2 entity to send the media stream to the terminal device UE.

S 1 0: The MDF1 entity sends a media stream to the terminal device UE.

S l l : The MDF2 entity sends a media stream to the terminal device UE.

A third embodiment of the present invention provides a signaling proxy functional entity, including: an obtaining unit and a forwarding unit. The obtaining unit further includes a first acquiring subunit. The forwarding unit further includes a first transmission subunit.

And acquiring, by the first acquisition subunit of the unit, a media play control signaling sent by the terminal device according to the media play control protocol by using a transmission channel between the signaling proxy function entity and the terminal device established by the media play control protocol.

a first transmission sub-unit of the forwarding unit, configured to directly forward the media broadcast obtained by the acquiring unit by using a media, based on a media playback control protocol, by using a signaling channel between the signaling proxy function entity and the MCF entity established by the media play control protocol Control signaling to the MCF entity. A fourth embodiment of the present invention provides another signaling proxy functional entity, including: an obtaining unit and a forwarding unit. The obtaining unit further includes a first acquiring subunit, and the forwarding unit further includes a second transmitting subunit.

The obtaining unit receives the media playing control signaling sent by the terminal device according to the media play control protocol, and the specific processing situation is as follows:

The forwarding unit forwards the media play control signaling acquired by the acquiring unit based on the signaling proxy function. The specific processing situation is as follows:

The second transmission sub-unit of the forwarding unit encapsulates the media playback control signaling based on the media play control protocol in the signaling supported by the Xp interface between the MCF entity and the MDF entity, and sends the encapsulated signaling to the MCF entity. .

A fifth embodiment of the present invention provides a signaling proxy functional entity, including: an obtaining unit and a forwarding unit. The obtaining unit further includes a second acquiring subunit; the forwarding unit further includes a second transmitting subunit.

The acquiring unit receives the media play control signaling sent by the MCF entity according to the media play control protocol; the specific processing situation is as follows:

And acquiring, by the second acquisition subunit of the acquiring unit, the media play control signaling sent by the MCF entity according to the media play control protocol by using a signaling proxy function entity established by the media play control protocol to a transmission channel between the MCF entities;

The forwarding unit, based on the signaling proxy function, forwards the media play control signaling to the terminal device; the media play control signaling carries the address information of the target signaling proxy functional entity that can be switched. The specific processing situation is as follows:

The second transmission subunit of the forwarding unit, based on the transmission channel between the signaling proxy function entity established by the media playback control protocol and the terminal device, based on the media playback control protocol, directly Forward media playback control signaling to the MCF entity.

A sixth embodiment of the present invention further provides a signaling proxy functional entity, including: an obtaining unit and a forwarding unit. The obtaining unit further includes a third acquiring subunit; the forwarding unit further includes a second transmitting subunit.

The third obtaining sub-unit of the obtaining unit, based on the transmission channel between the MDF entity and the MCF entity, receives the signaling sent by the MCF entity, decapsulates the signaling, and obtains the media playing based on the media playing control protocol sent by the MCF entity. Control signaling.

The second transmission subunit of the forwarding unit directly forwards the media play control signaling to the MCF entity by using a transmission channel between the signaling proxy function entity and the terminal device established by the media play control protocol according to the media play control protocol.

Based on the existing IMS Bas ed IPTV system architecture, the seventh embodiment of the present invention provides another streaming media playback control system, which is different from the first embodiment in that it does not include a signaling proxy functional entity, but only includes MDF entity and MCF entity.

Directly interacting between the MDF entity and the MCF entity: the MCF entity is configured to receive media play control signaling sent by the terminal device by using a signaling transmission channel to the terminal device; and send corresponding according to the media play control signaling The indication is sent to the MDF entity, where the information indicating that the media delivery function entity sends the corresponding media stream to the terminal device is carried. There are two specific instructions:

Use existing protocols, such as H. 248 and other extended resource control protocols, to indicate MDF entities The terminal device sends a corresponding media stream.

The specific processing situation is the same as that in the above embodiment, and will not be described in detail herein.

The MDF entity sends a corresponding media stream to the terminal device according to the indication.

Based on the existing IMS Ba s ed IPTV system architecture, the eighth embodiment of the present invention provides another streaming media playback control method. The specific implementation process is as shown in FIG.

Step S 2 01, the MCF entity receives the media play control signaling sent by the terminal device UE through its signaling transmission channel to the terminal device UE;

Based on the media playback control protocol, a signaling transmission channel for carrying media playback control signaling is established between the MCF entity and the terminal device UE.

Step S202: Instruct the MDF entity to send a corresponding media stream to the terminal device UE according to the media play control signaling.

According to whether the Xp interface between the MCF entity and the MDF entity supports the media playback control protocol, step S202 can be subdivided into the following two modes:

The first type, the Xp interface between the MCF entity and the MDF entity supports the media play control protocol, and then the MCF entity establishes a signaling transmission channel to the MDF entity based on the media play control protocol, and the MCF entity indicates through the signaling transmission channel. The MDF entity sends a corresponding media stream to the terminal device UE;

For example, the Xp interface between the MCF entity and the MDF entity supports the RTSP protocol. The processing situation at this time is as shown in FIG. 12, and an RTSP session is established between the MCF entity and the MDF entity based on the RTSP protocol; the MCF entity indicates the MDF entity through the RTSP session. Sending a corresponding media stream to the terminal device UE to implement playback control of the streaming media.

In the second embodiment, the Xp interface between the MCF entity and the MDF entity does not support the media playback control protocol. For example, if the extended resource control protocol is supported, the MCF entity instructs the MDF entity to send the corresponding media to the terminal device UE by using the extended resource control protocol. flow.

For example, it is assumed that the Xp interface between the MCF entity and the MDF entity supports an extended resource control protocol, such as the H.248 protocol. As shown in FIG. 13, the MCF entity implements the method by extending the H.248 protocol. Streaming media playback control. The specific implementation is as described in the second embodiment, and will not be described in detail herein.

Step S203: The media delivery function entity sends a corresponding media stream to the terminal device according to the indication of the media control function entity.

After receiving the media stream, the UE presents the media stream to the user.

The following is a detailed description of the first processing situation in the eighth embodiment of the present invention: Assume VOD on-demand, the VOD program includes two media resources, audio and video, and the audio media resource is stored in the MDF1 entity, and the video media resource exists in The MDF2 entity, the MCF entity controls the MDF1 entity and the MDF2 entity. The Xp interface between the MCF entity and the MDF entity supports the media playback control protocol - RTSP protocol. The RTSP protocol is established between the MCF entity and the MDF entity, and the playback control of the streaming media is completed through the RTSP signaling of the RTSP session interaction. Signaling process

As shown in 14, including:

S1. The terminal device acquires the presentation description information of the V0D program from the MCF according to the defined manner of the IMS Based IPTV. The presentation description information includes address/port information of the MCF entity.

S2. After obtaining the Presentation description information, the UE establishes a TCP connection to the MCF entity according to the Presentation description information.

S3, the terminal device UE establishes an RTSP session with the MCF entity, and is based on the IMS Based IPTV defined mode.

A TCP connection and an RTSP session are established between the S4, MCF entity and the MDF1 entity.

This embodiment does not limit the establishment process of the RTSP session between the MCF entity and the MDF1 entity.

55. A TCP connection and an RTSP session are established between the MCF entity and the MDF2 entity.

This embodiment does not limit the establishment process of the RTSP session between the MCF entity and the MDF2 entity.

56. After the RTSP session 1 is successfully established, the terminal device UE sends an RTSP PLAY request signaling to the MCF entity through a TCP connection.

57. After receiving the RTSP PLAY request, the MCF entity returns the RTSP 2000K to the terminal device UE. Response message.

58, The MCF entity sends an RTSP PLAY to the MDF1 entity via RTSP Session 2.

59. The MCF entity sends an RTSP PLAY to the MDF2 entity through the RTSP session 3.

S10. The MDF1 entity sends a media stream to the terminal device UE.

S11. The MDF2 entity sends a media stream to the terminal device UE.

The following is a detailed description of the second processing situation in the eighth embodiment of the present invention: Assume VOD on-demand, the V0D program includes two media resources, audio and video, and the audio media resource is stored in the media delivery function 1, and the video media resource Presented in the media delivery function 2, the media control function controls the media delivery function 1 and the media delivery function 2. The Xp interface between the MCF entity and the MDF entity does not support the media playback control protocol and supports the H.248 protocol. The streaming media control process in this case, as shown in Figure 15, includes:

51. The terminal device UE obtains the presentation description information of the V0D program from the MCF entity according to the IMS Based IPTV defined manner. The presentation description information includes address/port information of the MCF entity.

The signaling interaction may be based on protocols such as RTSP/SIP/HTTP, and the specific protocol is not limited.

52. After the terminal device obtains the presentation description information, the UE establishes a TCP connection to the MCF entity.

53. The terminal device UE establishes an RTSP session with the MCF entity based on the defined session mode of the IMS Based IPTV.

S4, after the session is successfully established, the terminal device UE sends the RTSP to the MCF entity through the TCP connection.

PLAY request signaling.

55. After processing the RTSP request, the MCF entity returns an RTSP 2000K response message to the terminal device UE.

After receiving the RTSP PLAY request, the MCF entity constructs H.248 signaling, where the H.248 signaling includes indication information indicating that the MDF1 entity sends the media stream to the terminal device UE.

57. After receiving the RTSP PLAY request, the MCF entity constructs H.248 signaling to indicate media delivery. Function 2 sends a media stream to the user.

58. The MDF 1 entity sends a media stream to the terminal device UE.

59. The MDF 2 entity sends the media stream to the terminal device UE.

According to the seventh embodiment and the eighth embodiment of the present invention, a ninth embodiment of the present invention provides a media control function entity, including: an information acquiring unit and an indicating unit. The indication unit includes a first indicator subunit or a second indicator subunit.

The information acquiring unit receives the media play control signaling sent by the terminal device by using a media control function entity established by the media play control protocol to the transmission channel of the terminal device, or receives the media transmission control channel to the signaling proxy function entity Media playback control signaling of the terminal device forwarded by the signaling proxy function entity;

The indicating unit, according to the media play control signaling received by the obtaining unit, instructs the media delivery function entity to send a corresponding media stream to the terminal device. The specific processing is as follows: The first indication sub-unit of the indication unit, according to the media play control protocol, instructs the media delivery function entity to send a corresponding media stream to the terminal device. The specific implementation is as described in the seventh embodiment. It will not be described in detail here. Or,

The second indication subunit of the indication unit, by extending the resource control protocol, instructs the media delivery function entity to send a corresponding media stream to the terminal device. The specific implementation is as described in the seventh embodiment, and will not be described in detail herein.

As can be seen from the foregoing specific embodiments of the present invention, the media control function entity receives the media play control signaling sent by the terminal device based on the media play control protocol through the signaling proxy function entity; or, through the device to the terminal device a signaling transmission channel, which receives media playback control signaling sent by the terminal device; and then, according to the media playback control signaling, instructs the media delivery function entity to send a corresponding media stream to the terminal device, thus giving specific media control Implementation process. The embodiment of the invention can reduce the TCP connection between the UE and the MCF, reduce the load of the MCF, and ensure the performance of the MCF. The spirit and scope of the invention. Thus, it is intended that the present invention cover the modifications and the modifications of the invention

Claims

Rights request

A streaming media playback control method, comprising:

The signaling proxy function entity receives the media play control signaling sent by the terminal device, and forwards the media play control signaling to the media control function entity;

2. The method of claim 1 wherein:

A signaling channel carrying the media playback control signaling is established between the signaling proxy function entity and the terminal device, and the media playback control signaling sent by the terminal device is received through the transmission channel.

The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the process of forwarding the media playback control signaling to the media control function entity includes:

Directly forwarding the media playback control signaling to the media control function entity by using a transmission channel established between the signaling proxy function entity and the media control function entity; or

The media playback control signaling is encapsulated in the signaling supported by the Xp interface between the media control function entity and the media delivery function entity, and the encapsulated signaling is sent to the media control function entity.

The method according to claim 3, wherein the process of instructing the media delivery function entity to send the media stream indicated by the media play control signaling to the terminal device according to the media play control signaling Specifically, including:

a media control function entity, instructing the media delivery function entity to send a corresponding media stream to the terminal device; or

The media control function entity instructs the media delivery function entity to send a corresponding media stream to the terminal device.

The method of claim 1, wherein the forwarding the media play control signaling to the media control function entity further comprises: performing a signaling proxy function, specifically: the signaling proxy functional entity, receiving Media playback control sent by the media control function entity Signaling

The signaling proxy function entity forwards the media play control signaling to the terminal device by using a transmission channel established between the terminal and the terminal device;

The terminal device determines the target signaling proxy function entity according to the media play control signaling, and sends corresponding media play control signaling to the signaling proxy function entity of the target.

The method according to claim 5, wherein the process of receiving the media play control signaling sent by the media control function entity comprises:

The signaling proxy function entity receives the media play control signaling sent by the media control function entity by using a transmission channel established between the media and the media control function entity; or

The signaling proxy function entity receives the signaling sent by the media control function entity based on the transmission channel between the media delivery function entity and the media control function entity, decapsulates the signaling, and obtains media playback sent by the media control function entity Control signaling.

7. A streaming media playback control system, comprising:

a signaling proxy function entity, configured to receive media play control signaling sent by the terminal device, and forward the media play control signaling to the media control function entity;

8. The system of claim 7, further comprising:

And a media delivery function entity, configured to send, according to the indication of the media control function entity, a corresponding media stream to the terminal device.

The system according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the signaling proxy function entity is further configured to:

Receiving the media play control signaling sent by the media control function entity; forwarding the media play control signaling to the terminal device; and the media play control signaling carries the address information of the target signaling proxy functional entity that can be switched.

10. The system of claim 9, wherein the signaling agent functional entity Physically independent; or, the signaling proxy functional entity is physically disposed on the media delivery functional entity.

A signaling agent functional entity, comprising:

And a forwarding unit, configured to forward the media play control signaling.

The entity according to claim 11, wherein the acquiring unit comprises: a first acquiring subunit, configured to receive a terminal by using a transmission channel between the signaling proxy function entity and the terminal device Media playback control signaling sent by the device.

The entity according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the forwarding unit comprises:

a first transmission subunit, configured to directly forward the media play control signaling to the media control function entity by using the established signaling proxy function entity to the transmission channel between the media control function entities; or

The forwarding unit includes a second transmission subunit, configured to encapsulate the media playback control signaling in the signaling supported by the interface between the media control function entity and the media delivery function entity, and send the encapsulated signaling to the media control. Functional entity.

14. The entity of claim 11 wherein:

The first obtaining unit is further configured to receive media play control signaling sent by the media control function entity;

The first forwarding unit is further configured to forward the media play control signaling to the terminal device; the media play control signaling carries the address information of the target signaling proxy functional entity that can be switched.

The entity according to claim 14, wherein the obtaining unit further comprises: a second obtaining subunit, configured to transmit, by the established signaling proxy function entity, a transmission channel between the media control function entities Receiving media play control signaling sent by the media control function entity; or a third acquiring subunit, configured to receive, according to a transmission channel between the media delivery function entity and the media control function entity, a signaling sent by the media control function entity, decapsulate the signaling, and obtain a media sent by the media control function entity Play control signaling.

The entity according to claim 14 or 15, wherein the forwarding unit further comprises:

And a third transmission subunit, configured to directly forward the media play control signaling to the media control function entity by using the established transmission channel between the signaling proxy function entity and the terminal device.

17. A streaming media playback control method, comprising:

The media control function entity receives the media play control signaling sent by the terminal device by using the signaling transmission channel to the terminal device;

18. The method of claim 17, further comprising:

A signaling transmission channel for carrying media playback control signaling is established between the media control function entity and the terminal device.

The method according to claim 17 or 18, wherein the process of instructing the media delivery function entity to send the corresponding media stream to the terminal device according to the media playback control signaling includes:

20. The method of claim 19, further comprising:

And transmitting, by the media delivery function entity, the media stream indicated by the media play control signaling to the terminal device according to the indication of the media control function entity.

21. A streaming media playback control system, comprising: Media control functional entity and media delivery functional entity;

The media control function entity is configured to receive media play control signaling sent by the terminal device by using a signaling transmission channel thereof to the terminal device, and send a corresponding indication to the media delivery function according to the media play control signaling An entity, where carrying information indicating that the media delivery function entity sends a corresponding media stream to the terminal device.

22. A media control function entity, comprising:

The entity according to claim 22, wherein the indication unit comprises: a first indication subunit, configured to instruct the media delivery function entity to send a corresponding media stream to the terminal device; or

And a second indication subunit, configured to instruct the media delivery function entity to send a corresponding media stream to the terminal device.